Boy, 12, arrested on suspicion of ‘appalling and unprovoked’ homophobic assault in Liverpool

Police have arrested a 12-year-old boy on suspicion of a homophobic attack in Liverpool on Saturday night.

Merseyside Police said the boy was held on suspicion of homophobic aggravated assault following an attack on two men, in their 30s, in Anfield.

The force said the men were walking down Manningham Road at about 9.20pm when they were approached by three male youths.

The youths made homophobic insults before one of them produced a knife and assaulted the men.

One of the victims sustained injuries to his head and neck, described as serious but non-life threatening, while the second sustained a minor hand injury.

Both were taken to hospital for treatment and were left incredibly shaken by the incident, police said.

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Detective Inspector Tara Denn said: "This was an appalling and unprovoked attack on two men simply making their way home and we are working tirelessly to locate those responsible.

"Two men have been left with significant injuries tonight and the hate and violence that has been inflicted on them is simply unacceptable and won't be tolerated on the streets of Merseyside."